WWE's Double Contracts, 50% Increase, AJ Styles' Demands Revealed: Report

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been the most dominant and popular pro-wrestling promotion in the last two decades and their supremacy and following is unlikely to be challenged anytime soon.

But the emergence of the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotion, backed by Pakistani American billionaire Shahid Khan, has alerted the pro-wrestlers and WWE. They are willing to offer contracts that were never seen before outside of the WWE, which is attracting top talent from across the globe.

Wrestlers looking for new deals now have an option of choosing between two or three promotions, which are gaining popularity and have the funding to compete with the WWE. AEW has already attracted the likes of Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho, with the latter revealing an NFL-style offer from the new company that "blew his mind".

WWE, despite having a roster which is unmatched by any other pro-wrestling company, are feeling the threat of the newcomers. They are getting a sense that many athletes currently part of the WWE are looking around and could explore the possibility of joining AEW on lucrative deals.

The wrestlers now have an advantage when coming to the negotiating table, but WWE is keen to put a stop to it and ensure they hold the top talent in the industry. Earlier reports had stated that they were willing to give improved deals to their current stars including double-your-money deals.

Rajah.com has now confirmed the earlier reports are true and that Vince McMahon’s company are willing to offer double-your-money contracts to any superstar who is willing to accept a new deal on the spot. They are also said to be giving out contracts to legends and non-wrestlers with a 50 percent increase in wages.

A number of top WWE stars are coming to the end of their deals in 2019 and are expected to be in commanding positions while negotiating new deals. Not only will WWE have to make new offers to ward off interest from other promotions, but they could have to pay over the odds especially with information regarding cash inflow from new television deals coming into force this year.

AJ Styles is one of the top WWE stars who will be out of contract this spring and has been in talks with the company over a new deal. He has been the face of SmackDown since the brand split – Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live – and they are keen to retain him and not lose him to a rival.

WWE Insider Dave Meltzer has indicated that he is certain to consider a potential offer from AEW before making a decision on his future. Styles is said to have a few demands before signing his new deal with the main one being his scheduling.

According to Cageside Seats, the American is said to want a deal similar to Randy Orton’s where he takes part in the televised shows and has minimal appearances in the live events during the week in order to be able to spend more time with his family. He is said to have other options if McMahon does not offer him the terms he is seeking.